Can employers remove email system access for employees on long-term sick?

Q: Is it acceptable for employers to remove email system access for employees who are on long-term leave, including maternity leave, sick leave, career break, etc.?

Scott: There are reasons why an employer would want to do this, mainly around the need to ensure good security. Dormant accounts can be used by bad actors wanting to gain access to a network, for instance. But what are the employee rights, and is there a time limit that employers should wait before removing access, and should they ensure employees are sent any relevant communications, such as promotion opportunities, changes to benefits, company announcements, etc., if direct access is removed?

Seamus: This is an interesting